Sports-Hochi, a Japanese-based media outlet, reported that the Chicago Cubs were close to signing left-handed pitcher Ken Takahashi from Japan. Acquiring the lefty would allow the Cubs to move Sean Marshall into the starting rotation with the departure of Jason Marquis, and would also help continue Kosuke Fukodome’s adjustment to baseball in the United States.

But now those rumors appear to be over-blown. Cubs officials overseas have denied the reports and no further rumors seems to be floating around regarding the 40-year old veteran pitcher.

The Cubs have not announced any further deals of late and appear to be done heading into the 2009 MLB campaign. Stay tuned for upcoming posts regarding upcoming lineup and starting pitcher analysis and how the Cubs off-season signees will fit into the role during the 2009 MLB season…